What the heck is an AEV Prospector XL

[@robertmelton5484]

Love seeing the star and bars flying along with the don't tread on me flag!

[@taurota1554]

Awesome and outstanding as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you for the support!

[@bobbyjohnson3334]

You always have great content and video edits from music or sound to effects. Hope you stay with it. Also, your vlogs are edited and planned so well.

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you very much.

[@Chochaw1]

Just bought my brand new 2024 Ram 2500 prospector XL yesterday, super pumped this truck is SICK!! Love the vids

[@alpinetactics]

Really happy to see you making videos again. I always really loved your style. Love the truck too, those things are the dream for sure.

[@TheChangB]

Loving the return to the long form videos. Keep it up!

[@SwellRunner]

Pray that I CAN keep it up! It’s been a hassle already! Hahaha

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

Love this truck. It's one I wish for, and really want. Welcome back!

[@Rdy2Xpl]

Awesome video and truck. AEV makes outstanding vehicles and products. Your review of the 2020 Prospector XL at SEMA one year is what got me interested in full size overlanding vs the Wranglers I had owned since 2001. I have the 12" screen on my 21 75th Anniversary PowerWagon and its super useful. With the 12" screen your climate control functions (right and left temp control, mode, fan speed, auto or not, recirculation or fresh air mode, defrost front and rear) are buttons on the sides of the screen, so you don't have to pop any of that on the screen to use it. The benefit over the smaller screen in my opinion is when running carplay you can have your map (google maps, waze, whataever) on 1/2 of the screen and then your media/music or phone on the other half.

[@SwellRunner]

Oh nice!! That’s when I fell in love. Haha.

[@joshuastjohn79]

Always love you're content. I couldn't afford to buy both the truck and the upfit at once so I've been building mine over time and am constantly watching and rewatching your videos for inspiration and info. I won't have the official serial numbered build but it was worth building this overtime. I'm in the home stretch now waiting for the lift, tires and fenders but every thing else is dialed in. Thanks again for the info and inspiration ;)

[@SwellRunner]

Nice! Do it how you can! Nothing wrong with that!

[@WolfOverland]

Damn. Waiting for this video! I recc this setup all the time 🤘

[@SwellRunner]

Hoping it’s not redundant. But this is my take and spin on this awesome vehicle.

[@twoguysandatruck4811]

Glad to see you back man. Me and my Power Wagon have followed your adventures for a minute!

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you!

[@Bunnybones87]

Honestly the lines on that truck are sooooo good!

[@grootsgracemission]

I am glad you’re back. I hope to find this truck in Canada. May you have many cool story telling trips in your future.

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you! I’d love to come up. Maybe someday.

[@Sdukes001]

That truck is awesome fantastic build. Seen one locally at a dealership msrp 132k 😅

[@havilandh1]

I love it that you had your shirt on and no dumbbells truck is awesome seen it at overland expo east

[@SwellRunner]

Hahahahaha

[@up2top]

Good to see you back. Hope I'll run into you again at the Overland Expo in Flag this year.

[@SwellRunner]

I’m not sure I’ll be in flagstaff this year. Planning on going to mountain west though

[@gwolf7716]

I bought and installed the front AEV bumper on my 18’ 3500 Ram and am very impressed. I’m saving up for an Expedition One rear bumper for the spare tire carrier mainly. Best value I think for me as the vehicle is payed off and the warranty expires. I’ll wait for suspension upgrades once I’ve worn the stock system out to some extent. I’m happy running 35” tires for all of my needs for now. I’m not thrilled not being able to fit a spare without a tire carrier.

[@ploglet]

I remember walking into the garage in Missoula and seeing that Dave had cut his keep in half. I thought he was nuts - I also knew how much he loved his Jeep. Clearly it worked out.

[@SwellRunner]

Haha. Clearly.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Super dream truck! Awesome. Some advantages on using the Power Wagon would be the heavy duty axles, the lockers and the built-in Warn winch. I would imagine that using the 5.7l or the 6.4l could be beefed up a little to push those tires.

[@SwellRunner]

100% on all that for sure!

[@jfletcher4949]

I agree that using a Power Wagon would be ideal for the reasons you mention. The 6.4 Hemi would not have a problem with those 40" tire and especially with 4.10 gearing. Also the Power Wagon has very low transfer case gearing when off-road. I had a 6.4 Hemi with 37" tires on 17" wheels and it was not a problem even whit the 3.73 gearing. That gas engine puts out some serious power.

[@FatMatAdventures]

Wow, very nice details about the ... BEAST!!! Love the truck man.

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you!

[@alfonsoolvera2596]

Nice now i know what i need to do on my truck. Thank you so much Damn awesome truck

[@SwellRunner]

Haha. Thanks! Glad I could be of assistance!

[@gibstera5580]

Thank you for sharing. Great video. I still have my Gray 4runner. Slowly building it out without over pricing the valve. Always looking for sales and deals. Take care and see you passing SR 44.

[@SwellRunner]

Oh nice!

[@levicharles996]

Great video to see you back and let us see your ideas and adventures. One thing I would say is that the Cummins has issues with grid heater bolt that sometimes comes loose and goes into the cylinder usually number 6 and destroys the engine. Banks diesel has an upgrade for elbow and grid heater. May be a non issue since you live in a warm climate but just a simple fix for $100k+ truck.

[@SwellRunner]

Interesting. I’ll check that out. Had no idea.

[@rodmcisaac3]

Go to Banks. They have a few parts to solve a number of weaknesses, especially. the grid heater.

[@primalmoments]

Good stuff, Jason! AEV is definitely an awesome company making high quality stuff. None of my builds are full AEV, but have had zero complaints with the parts we have incorporated from them.

[@SwellRunner]

Dude you got the dream rig in this convo! Haha.

[@primalmoments]

@@SwellRunner oh believe me if I was doing it over again I’d change a few things lol

[@ACEventure]

Hey Jason, hope all is well. Good to see you posting long format videos again.

[@SwellRunner]

Thanks guys!! How’s my old runner?

[@ACEventure]

@@SwellRunner Its still kicking! Mostly only gets driven for trips. Have done tie rods and ball joints recently, I need to get the icons and UCA delta joints rebuilt soon. It's so dialed for our camping trips I dread ever replacing it hah.

[@michael-e5l]

Best prospector xl video. Awesome work

[@BrianHawthorne-j4f]

Jason you are a true professional miss having you around every week !!!!

[@SwellRunner]

Haha. Thanks!!

[@dodgedude908]

Does anyone know if AEV prospector/xl kits also include regearing of the front and rear axles? I would imagine that running the factory 3.73 gears with those 40” tires would put a tremendous amount of strain on the transmission

[@alexbauer20]

So glad you’re back man

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you!

[@zacharymarcum5628]

Great Vid.....in person these trucks are uber impressive. Cross Jeep (Chris and Gang) appreciate what the AEV products offer and many times you can find a nice prospector in their inventory....along with other great/unique 4wd vehicles

[@SwellRunner]

Nice! I’ll have to check them out!

[@l.c.o.r2024]

look forward to the videos, keep them coming.

[@Toglander]

Great video! I have a Power Wagon that I am building out and the issue I am running into is how to carry a spare larger that 35”. Could you please explain what you did to solve this issue?

[@SwellRunner]

That’s something good to cover. I totally forgot about that. I’m running a rig’d untra swing. It’s a good temporary solution for trips that I can remove when I’m at home. Others just carry it in their bed. Just kinda depends on what you wanna do. But the ultra swing is great and gives additional mounting and storage options.

[@Toglander]

@@SwellRunner - That’s a great idea! I didn’t even think about using the hitch. I have a tonneau cover and bed rack so using the bed of the truck isn’t a good option. This may solve my issue. I’d love to see a video covering your thoughts on it though.

[@jtljohnson]

Hi Jason. The clicking you had in 4 Lo. What was determined to be the issue and solution? I have a 2022 prospector and have a ratcheting noise when turning in 4wd. They already replaced the front axle assembly and front shaft without resolving. Now they are on to a new xfer case not yet installed. We will see. Dealer non AEV cert is doing an ok job except long time between potential fixes. 3 mos for xfer case.

[@jamespage1489]

Thanks for the video. I’m building one out of my 2024 Limited-but only doing 37”s.

[@garrettm949]

Great video. Ended up with an F350 for various reasons though Jackson at Glendale CDJR was fantastic and even let us test drive his personal PXL. About the scratches -- get the truck PPF'd. I did that with our F350 and it is such a gamechanger.... The new PPF is even ceramic coated which is a plus. With such wide trucks its fantastic to know you arent ripping up the side of the truck.

[@SwellRunner]

I’m with you on the PPF - but the two bids I got were 8k and 11k. And I was like… um no.

[@garrettm949]

@@SwellRunner Come out to UT or SoCal. I got the grill go the back of the cab done for $3-4k by Beyond Wraps who does a lot of the overland folks and SEMA trucks. Tron Automotive in SLC is also fantastic.

[@kdoug311]

what do you do to stay cool when summer camping, portable ac?

[@SwellRunner]

I avoid the heat. lol. But the fan in the camper moved a lot of air.

[@AdminLogistics.]

Keep knocking that rust off. Hoping to see you regularly in the future.

[@SwellRunner]

Haha. Will do!

[@Paintbl99]

That rig is a beast! Great video - thanks Jason!

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you!

[@christiandulaney1638]

I saw my first PXL here in The Woodlands Texas. I hung out next to it for 10 minutes hoping the owner came back so I could pick his brain. I think its such an amazing looking rig! Im a huge Ram fan. I have a 21 Laramie 1500 with a 3.5 inch lift and 35s, and it looked TINY compared to the PXL. It was hilarious

[@ThePyleDriver]

Thanks for the great overview! I'm looking at an AT4XHD AEV for my next vehicle and am sold on "new, official AEV" for all the reasons you mentioned. One that you didn't, but that is super important to me, is insurance. I have a 2009 JKU that I bought new and have built up over time. It has a 6.2LS swap, full metal cloak lift and armor, bumpers, winch, etc. etc. The maximum I can insure it for is stock 2009 JKUR blue book + $5K in "accessory" coverage. This is far below replacement cost. Like your 4Runner, it's to the point were I wheel it and don't sweat scratches or dings, but with a new $100K+ truck, having full insurance coverage and a full warranty is critical.

[@SwellRunner]

I have full insurance coverage. I can’t remember the details but I was clear, even to the extent of showing the invoice and build sheet from AEV to make sure everything is covered. Now dealing with a claim could be a different animal. But I have geico and over 10 years they’ve continued to treat me right.

[@BrandonSnyder-jg3cu]

Did you get rid of the RIG’D tire carrier? That thing is amazing and because of your previous videos, I want one for my PXL. Which is almost exactly the same rig, although I did get the big screen. Maybe I ended up with the first one you ordered! lol great content. Keep it coming and maybe I’ll see ya out west on a trail. Btw, if you did decide to not use the tire carrier, I’d totally buy yours if it’s for sale.

[@ROMRreviews]

Trail Recon (i think) has a video touring their facility and shows some of the fender trimming mid process. Great stuff

[@SwellRunner]

Oh yea! I forgot Brad did that. Sweet!

[@davidozburn1155]

I will be getting my PXL late summer early fall. It is an investment. Having a true PXL with the warranties also makes the resale higher. Appreciate all that you do with all of your content.

[@davidcook2128]

I have a ram cummings 2014 , and know AEV , but wondering how much ride comfort on road do you get , thinking of running 37” tires

[@SwellRunner]

Mine drives great on the road. Mileage isn’t terrible. I often can see 15 mpg if I keep it below 75

[@oregonadventuretrucks]

Great video!

[@SwellRunner]

Thank you!

[@larryparker1678]

welcome back

[@leroyjohnston5273]

Yayyyyy he’s back!

[@SwellRunner]

Yay!

[@ipdjbt]

I'd love to know the MPG you get out of that beast! Your property is beautiful!

[@SwellRunner]

Thanks!! 13.5 is the most common. If I keep it below 75 and have a tailwind I can see 15+ for a couple tanks.

[@ericmschindler1]

i traded in a 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn with the 12 inch screen and got a 2023 Ram 2500 Limited Long Box AEV Prospector XL. It has 360 view but had the short screen, having had both I actually like the smaller screen better. Id rather have a physical button any day. Congrats on the car, just took mine to big bear.

[@SwellRunner]

That’s what I’ve heard from others as well. I do wish i had 360 cameras though

[@michaelwaite2467]

To either of you.. do you use your PXL as a daily driver? I'm considering a Rebel PXL and need some real life feedback.

[@ericmschindler1]

@@michaelwaite2467 hahaha no mine isnt a daily driver. It an 8 foot bed and with 40 inch tires it makes the truck taller than any normal size parking garage. Dont get me wrong its a fun car and an absolute show stopper but its not a daily.

[@michaelwaite2467]

@@ericmschindler1 appreciate the response. Good to know. I’m stuck being a trx or PXL, mostly for looks. I have a raptor now

[@ericmschindler1]

@@michaelwaite2467 I think what swayed me was the dealership I went to had the PXL right next to the TRX and it made the TRX look like a tacoma lmao

[@atombomb6719]

Killer sunglasses, Jason

[@dripsoiladventures]

thx for all the info. ive been looking at these for a couple years now & will be ordering one soon. Question - what is the height from the ground to the top of your project M camper? Im going to be modifying my garage to get it inside. thx again.

[@MattCraven-mr1bk]

So, I just bought a factory Prospector XL. I have a FWC Hawk installed and now I am trying to figure out the best solution for the spare....I have looked at Rig'd, and all other optional swing-away bumpers....curious if you have any thoughts or plans to solve this problem. TIA...GREAT Vid, btw!

[@scuzzyfpv]

I had an AEV JKUR and its was amazing

[@SwellRunner]

Dude the AEV jeeps are so rad. My wife wants one of their JT’s

[@johngobbels4089]

Jason - Any issues with the Cummins when doing trails - hours of slow off-road? DPF getting filled or regens off road? Best - John

[@LifeofJoban]

I have a prospector XL 2022 Megacab. Have you noticed the vibration in the rear bed? What PSI do you run your tires? I have the 40 inch Toyo MTs. The ride on this thing is very rough.

[@SwellRunner]

I haven’t. And I was always happy with my Toyos. 37-38 up front and 35 in the rear. Have you tried rebalancing the tires

[@SalvadorAviles408]

I love your truck I have a 2017 tradesman I’m building up so far I have aev salta wheels Mickey Thompson Baja boss 37 Carli lift i just got a banks pedal monster man made a huge difference you should try it

[@Christian-Berger]

I just wish they would make a prospector xl set up for the superduty

[@SwellRunner]

I wish there were other truck choices too. Maybe eventually. Going through that process takes a while I’m sure

[@Christian-Berger]

@@SwellRunner hopefully, time will tell I suppose

[@72armydad]

I am also in FL and I would love to chat with you I'm in the space coast area

[@4X4FAMILYMAN]

Tell us about those new 40s! Do you like them? I've heard that the Cooper tires were hard to balance, did you have that issue? or did you just need new tires?

[@SwellRunner]

I hated the coopers. By the time they got over 5k miles they got super noisy and yes, they could never balance them. I kept hearing of massive failures on the highway too. I swapped them out at 18k. I have been happy with the XComp Gladiator mud terrains, they’ve been a lot quieter and the wear has been really good. I have about 18k on my first set of theirs now and I have a lot of tread left. But they haven’t been in stock since last September.

[@bradentokoly]

Did you go with the SAE or Sport Baja Designs / CJC fog light kit? I've been looking into the same kit. One more question... where do you get you tires balanced? I have a Power Wagon with 37s and it's never easy... I imagine 40s are even harder to get a quality balance job.

[@SwellRunner]

I did the sport. It's brighter than the SAE - and I don't run them on the road. They're a nice addition offroad. I do get some nasty looks from time to time when they come on when turning, but it's worth it. I use my local Discount Tire for all rotations and balancing. They're mostly reliable and effective, but not perfect. And the balancing is usually good, but also not perfect all the time.

[@bradentokoly]

@@SwellRunner Ditto on Discount Tire. I agree with your decision to go with the Sport lights… will likely do the same. Thanks for the reply! 👍🏻

[@muskaman2k]

If anyone is truly interested in this truck, theres plenty of info out there to find out anything you wanna know. Not trying to be rude, just saying that cause i found a lot of info doing just that since i plan to do this as a piece build to my power wagon 😅

[@CallsignVega]

Why I never go with air bags on my trucks, they will always fail sooner or later.

[@kenuber4014]

Geez Jason! That thing doesn't even have any bumps or scrapes! Time for you to "Walk the walk"!!

[@SwellRunner]

I know. Well. I have done paint correction twice. Lol

[@dannyv2335]

The most frustrating part of driving a Dodge product with the big screen was messing with the climate control while driving. My Nissan I can adjust without ever taking my eyes off the road. Knobs are still important.

[@MotorBoating1413]

I have a 22 ram 1500 I thought I would want the 12 inch screen but mine came with the 8.4 I’ve found that while driving I use the edges off the screen to steady my hand while I do anything on the screen. I’m happy now that I don’t have the 12 inch And I agree having some knobs are far easier to deal with while driving touchscreens are nice and have their pros and cons Biggest complaint of the ram line is the damn knob shifter I’ve shifted gears trying to turn the radio up or down and have turned the radio wanting to shift to a gear lol I’ve gotten used to it just miss the column shifters

[@dannyv2335]

@@MotorBoating1413 I used to just forget to put it in park 😆

[@larrybriggs2920]

In my opinion, the best truck platform for overlanding is the Ford F-250. I am in the business, and all of the big 3 brands have issues as far as recalls and ware problems. The F-250 has, by far, the most stout stock suspension and axles. The trans has a good reputation, and the diesel 6.7 is definitely the better motor. I like the creature comforts of the interior as well. This is not to say that I don't appreciate other trucks. I do like a lot of features of the Prospector. Your outfitting is a great way to go. I'm excited to see what more you have planned. Having said all that, I still like my Bronco the best. Mine is the same color as yours. If you buy a lift, wheels & tires at 4 Wheel Parts, you can get a 100K mile warranty on the drivetrain & 3yr 36K parts & labor. It is solid too. Everything is covered too.

[@SwellRunner]

I have no experience with fords or chevys and I ended up in a ram specifically because of the XL product line from AEV. They certainly all have their ups and downs. I was generally happier with my old white truck in terms of issues. But there are some amenities I have on the new truck I didn’t have. I like the bronco more in many ways. But I still haven’t figured out how I’m gonna fit my toilet in the back. 🤣

[@ThatOtherDave]

Us Daves don't mess around

[@SwellRunner]

That’s quite true. I actually know more than a few mega successful Dave’s.

[@kdiddy7076]

What's the stock gear ratio? Saying that lockers weren't added makes me think that this is fake news. No one would do that.

[@SwellRunner]

I wish it were true.

[@phlfly10]

biggest thing is rear locker is downside for the RAM 2500, that is really suprsising compare to Ford 250. I rather use Ford with Power Stroke, even Cummins is nice but no locker

[@SwellRunner]

With the tire size and articulation, I’ve never felt I needed a locker. I understand the argument. And actually agree on principle… just saying that over 4 years and two of these trucks, the lack of a locker hasn’t been an issue.

[@phlfly10]

@SwellRunner yes it's that is large truck like your or mine Titan XD I have rarely taken to a very technical trial as it's hard to navigate also it's not too many on East coast and one has made for Jeeps as I can't even fit between trees and balders. But I just did upgrade my locker to work on 2wd and 4wd H. It's very helpful when articulation is good .

[@misterrc51]

🇺🇸🇺🇸AEV Prospector Dodge🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@misterrc51]

AEV brute was first 2004-2006 Wrangler 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@misterrc51]

I have lots of AEV parts on my Jeep 🇺🇸OlllllllO🇺🇸

[@muskaman2k]

About the dealership section, i had an experience when i went to purchase my pw mentioning aev to the person who was helping me and he had no idea what aev was or that they even existed 😅

[@SwellRunner]

Yea you gotta go to an aev dealer.

[@austinshade7155]

all that money and they do not put lockers on it?????

[@HiknbfunnyHkkgg]

Martinez Deborah Clark Cynthia Martinez Cynthia

[@FreemanArno]

Hernandez Jennifer Lopez Michael Taylor Karen

[@joshua.eta1123]

Meh. I’ve had one. Looks cool, EVERYONE loved it. It was a great looking rig, Not the greatest performer by any means. Nobody wants to put 40s on it and the aev components are just not the best in the industry. I was super unhappy overall and it was a huge headache. Skip it. No matter how much AEV tries to defends itself from it being an overhyped “lift kit”…performance wise that’s what it is.